Ready, Steady, Grow: How to Expand Your Business
2024-11-13 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
This workshop will take place online via Zoom. Joining instructions will be shared with you once you have reserved your space.
Ready to accelerate your business growth but unsure where to begin?
Look no further than our Ready Steady Grow workshop focused on accelerating business growth. Led by experienced business advisers, this session is designed to help you identify your growth potential and create a roadmap for success.
Through collaborative discussions with like-minded businesses, you’ll gain new insights, tools and knowledge to help support your growth plans. You’ll also walk away with a network of fellow business owners to connect with for ongoing support.
Don’t miss this opportunity to take your business to new heights!

Video production for digital marketing
2024-11-13 18:00 - 20:00
Video captures people’s attention online and is important for getting your message across, while engaging with your target audience.
Learn how to:

Choose what type of video to create to suit your business objectives
Plan, shoot, edit, and upload video without special kit or expertise
Get to know the various digital platforms that can be utilised to view and share video content
See what editing apps are available and how to add music and subtitles

ASVA Annual Conference 2024
2024-11-14 09:00 - 17:30 | Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ
This year’s Association for Scottish Visitor Attractions conference will bring together leading voices and experts from within the visitor attractions and wider tourism sector to share best practices, explore innovative approaches in technology, sustainability, and community engagement.
The programme will explore everything from enhancing the visitor experience to the integration of tech and partnership strategies. It will delve into the unique challenges faced by small and big attractions alike, discuss sustainability efforts, and focus on critical themes like people, accessibility and inclusion.
The trade exhibition will be a key part of conference activities, and an excellent opportunity for trade members to showcase their organisation to the attraction industry audience. There will be a limited number of trade stands available, so it is advised to book as early as possible to ensure you secure your spot and avoid missing out.
After the conference, all delegates are invited to a drinks reception at Perth Museum from 6-8pm. Not only will you enjoy a selection of drinks provided by local suppliers, but you’ll also have the opportunity to network and explore the museum, including a guided tour of the iconic Stone of Destiny.

Selling Your Business Masterclass
2024-11-14 10:00 - 12:00
Have you considered a succession plan for your business? It’s never too early to start thinking about your options. Employee ownership is fast becoming the preferred exit route for business owners.
Aimed at business owners who are considering an exit from their company, this session will give attendees the opportunity to hear from industrial machinery manufacturer Fusion Mechanical and publishing services company Prepress Projects. Speakers from the companies will explain considerations they undertook when choosing employee ownership and how things have worked out as a result.
Louise Fisher from Baxendale Employee Ownership will talk through all ownership succession options before focussing on employee ownership and how to ensure the employee buyout is a smooth process.
Timings:
10:05am Welcome – Glen Dott, Scottish Enterprise
10:10am Ownership Succession Options – Louise Fisher, Baxendale Employee Ownership
10:35am Employee Ownership Case Study – Fusion Mechanical
11am Employee Ownership Case Study – Prepress Projects
11:25am Support available – Glen Dott, Scottish Enterprise
11:30am Q&A
11:45am Close
Attend this workshop to learn how employee ownership offers a tax efficient exit route that protects your company’s legacy, while providing a competitive price for the business. It could it be the perfect succession solution for you.

Creating an effective email marketing strategy
2024-11-14 10:00 - 12:00
Customers buy from businesses that they know, like and trust. Email marketing is powerful and affordable tool in your digital marketing toolkit to build these relationships.
Most businesses send monthly newsletters to stay in touch with their audience, but your results will improve with a structured plan and the best practices that will be explored in this webinar.
Whether you’re new to email marketing or you’re looking to optimise your email strategy, this webinar enable you to:

Adopt email marketing into your wider marketing strategy and gain insight into your target audience
Understand the key stages of an effective marketing strategy
Segment your audiences and to target and position your offering to them effectively
Create a value-driven and customer-focussed content for email marketing whilst measuring and testing it’s effectiveness
Identify the most suitable platforms and tools for email marketing campaigns, including different paid-for account levels
Optimise the different components of a successful email campaign
Use reporting and key metrics to make sure your campaigns are successful
Be compliant with legal requirements relating to email communications and use best practices for escaping the spam folder

Kickstart your Marketing
2024-11-14 18:00 - 20:00
The workshop will cover the basic principles of marketing, including target audience identification, competitor analysis, value proposition, and the development of marketing strategies.
The workshop will also explore the importance of measuring the success of marketing strategies and how adhering to good business practice can positively influence Customer Generated Content
Overall, this workshop is ideal for businesses – new and existing – who want to gain a solid understanding of the basics. By the end of the workshop, you should have the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and execute an effective marketing strategy for your business.

Scottish Agritourism Conference 2024
2024-11-18 09:00 - 2024-11-19 13:00 | Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ
This Conference will bring together everyone interested in the development of agritourism in Scotland.
It will be a great chance to get together, network and build relationships.
The conference is set to welcome:

existing agritourism business owners
farmers and crofters considering agritourism or just keen to find out more
tourism, hospitality and food and drink businesses keen to benefit from the growth of agritourism in Scotland
professionals and suppliers to the sector
industry representatives from across agriculture, tourism destinations, the public sector and academia

Both members of Scottish Agritourism and non-members are welcome. Anyone booking with a non-members ticket who decides to join Scottish Agritourism before or during the Conference will have the difference in their ticket money refunded.
Highlights will include

Building Great Teams – Beata Winiarska, Forest Farm Dairy, Anna & Richard, Lindores & further speaker tbc
Innovation – Jillian McEwan, Lunan Bay Farm, Tom Lewis, Monachyle Mhor and Katrina Reynolds, Allanton Inn
International session – Marijke Dunselman, Agritourism New Zealand & Pandurang Taware, Agritourism India
Insight Session, Vicki Miller, Visit Scotland and Amanda Brown, Scotland Food & Drink
Focus on Scotland’s Agritourism Strategy and upcoming World Agritourism Conference
Annual Sector Dinner
Scottish Agritourism update and AGM

A step-by-step guide to building your business plan
2024-11-18 10:00 - 12:00
New and established businesses will require a business plan for getting a loan, grant or just to consider the direction they wish to go in. This webinar will teach you what you need to include and how. We will walk you through what should be included within a business plan, how a business plan is used to improve your prospects for a loan or a grant, and how you can develop a business plan to meet your needs.
We will:

Provide a structure for a business plan
Review each section of what should be included within the business plan
Explain when and how to use a business plan
Explore the connections (and importance) between the words and the numbers
Look at how to identify and manage cashflow within the business planning process

Business Support – Drop In Sessions
2024-11-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Carnoustie Library, 21 High Street, Carnoustie, DD7 6AN
The Business Gateway team will be at Carnoustie Library to offer expert advice and support for all your business questions.
Drop in and speak to us, or use the book now button and a member of the team will be in touch to book an appointment.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow business, our advisers are here for you every step of the way.

North-east tourism conference 2024
2024-11-19 09:30 - 15:30 | P&J Live, East Burn Road, Aberdeen, AB21 9FX, United Kingdom
Hosted by BBC Scotland journalist Fiona Stalker, this long-awaited event – supported by P&J Live – will bring you together with organisations, businesses and individuals from across the region to focus on how tourism can help the North East to thrive in 2025, and beyond.
You will hear from a range of industry experts and thought leaders throughout the day who will contribute to an engaging programme that will focus on visitors, people and the environment in the northeast of Scotland.
In addition, there will be ample networking opportunities to make new contacts, meet with peers, and exchange ideas.

Writing for social media
2024-11-19 16:30 - 17:30
Engaging copy can help you say more with less when posting on your social media channels.
If you manage a social media channel for your business and you’re looking at ways to sharpen your copy, join this session on writing for social media. Learn ways to develop a written tone of voice and tips for creating copy for limited space online.
In this session you will learn:

how to define your brand across your social media channels
tips for writing for social media and responding to customer comments
tools you can use for content marketing

This session is run using YouTube and is 60 minutes long. The course assumes no prior knowledge or experience so there is no pre-reading necessary. There will be the opportunity to ask questions during the session.

Social media essentials: Instagram
2024-11-20 10:00 - 12:00
Thinking about using Instagram to communicate with existing and potential customers? Want to showcase your products or services using it? During this webinar we will cover:

Getting the setup right and benefitting from the available business tools
Best practice profiles, and some strategies to help your business stand out from the crowd
The types of audience you can reach via this platform and the factors and analytics such as cost and timing of posting images and how that can maximise impact
The various types of content you can post to Instagram, from regular posts to Stories and Reels

Expanding our horizons: collaborative pathways for nature tourism in Scotland
2024-11-20 10:00 - 16:30 | Fishers Hotel, 75-79 Atholl Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BN
After a five-year pause, the Wild Scotland Autumn Conference is making a grand comeback. This is an opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired by the best minds in the industry.
This conference is more than just a gathering – it’s a chance to reignite your passion, gain invaluable insights and forge lasting connections with like-minded professionals.
Join this day filled with exciting discussions, networking opportunities and insights into Scotland’s diverse wildlife, culture and its guests. This in-person event will be held in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, providing the perfect backdrop for this gathering. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a conservationist, or simply curious about Scotland’s wild beauty, this conference is the place to be.
Confirmed guest speakers are:

David Symes from the Adventure Travel Trade Association who will be hosting an interactive session on “Developing adventure tourism for the international market”. The session will be audience-led and topics will focus on who your customers are, working with the international travel trade and policies and procedure.
Patrick O’Shaughnessy from VisitScotland will share the latest ways to ensure you are visible online, including modern booking systems, working with online travel agents and Google Things to Do.
Rebecca Gibson, Scottish-based outdoor writer and photographer and author of the recent Bradt Guide on Slow Travel in North East Scotland.

Mark your calendars and join this conference in celebrating your businesses and Scotland’s rich wildlife and cultural offering.

An introduction to business strategy
2024-11-20 13:00 - 15:00
This webinar is practical, outcome driven, and designed to fit with the needs of small businesses in both B2C and B2B environments. It will help you develop a strategically led approach that can turbo charge business growth, identify the core growth strategy(ies) that are right for your business, and develop an action plan.
We will look at:

Your business today – identifying your strengths and areas for development
The key pillars of a business and why balancing all areas is essential for success
Personal and business ambitions and using these to guide strategy development
Ansoff’s Matrix as a tool for identifying core growth strategies
The core components of your business delivery
How to develop a methodical, strategic approach to developing your business for future success

After the webinar, you will understand:

How to undertake a balanced review of where your business is that helps identify areas for development
Ansoff’s Matrix and how to use it as a core strategic planning tool
How to create a strategic plan for growing your business

Securing Funding and Boosting Cashflow
2024-11-20 14:00 - 16:00
Effective cash flow management is essential for securing funding and ensuring long-term business success. This workshop will equip you with a clear understanding of the funding application process and insights into what funders expect.
A recent report from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) revealed that most businesses are struggling with cash flow challenges. To address these issues, our speakers Norrie Cook and Patrick Burke from the FSE group will provide guidance on how to access funding and manage your finances effectively.
This session will cover:

Funding for growth and sustainability
Different types of funding options
What are funders looking for?
What makes for a successful application?
Key documents and compliance needed
Understanding Financial Projections

In addition to providing guidance on funding applications, participants will learn how to use finance strategies to free up cash flow, such as credit control, invoice discounting, optimising credit terms, and securing deposits.

eCommerce and Digital Trade Symposium
2024-11-21 09:30 - 17:00 | Edinburgh International Conference Centre, 150 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EE
The programme will feature presentations, case studies, and panel discussions hosted by industry leaders. It will also include an Exhibitor Zone where attendees can meet and greet with experts from the field. Attendees will have the opportunity to have one-to-one sessions with experts.
Key topics will include:

International and cross border eCommerce – developing new markets
B2B eCommerce – getting to grips with the latest developments
Improved productivity – the application of the latest digital technologies
Omnichannel opportunities – how to serve your customer better
Digital transformation – what does success look like?
Marketplaces and social media platforms – how to select the optimal mix
Data and market analysis – exploring new opportunities
AI and eCommerce – what’s right for your business

Who should attend?
The Symposium is geared towards senior decision makers, business leaders, digital and eCommerce practitioners, and commercial teams. To join, simply register for DIGIT Expo and come along on the day. Your delegate pass will include access to all sessions and networking areas.

Don’t let GDPR block your Innovation
2024-11-21 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for an in depth GDPR Masterclass designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate and leverage GDPR regulations effectively.
What we’ll cover:

Understanding the Regulations: Separate fact from fiction and gain a clear understanding of GDPR requirements.
Turning GDPR into a Competitive Advantage: Discover the opportunities GDPR presents for your business.
Using CRM Systems: Learn best practices for importing, purchasing, and sharing personal data within your CRM.
Utilising 3rd Party Marketing Services: Safeguard your reputation while using external marketing services.
Cookies & Transparency: Master consent management and ensure transparency with your website’s cookie policies.
Effective Marketing Communication: Enhance your marketing strategies through compliant emails, texts, newsletters, and cold calling.
Maintaining Customer Relationships: Build and maintain trust with your customers through GDPR-compliant practices.
Communications Impact Toolkit: Equip yourself with tools to improve your communication effectiveness.

Attendees will have the opportunity to book a one-on-one session with GDPR expert Susan, allowing for personalised advice and guidance.

How to build a digital marketing plan
2024-11-21 10:00 - 12:00
This webinar will guide you through the steps needed to create an effective digital marketing strategy, ensuring you focus on the right tactics to meet your business objectives and goals.
We will cover:

The importance of planning your digital marketing activities
Building your plan around a simple framework
Conducting a situational analysis (and understanding customers and competitors)
Developing your brand and tone of voice
Planning your content strategy
Prioritising digital channels
Evaluating your Digital Marketing efforts

An Introduction to Canva
2024-11-21 10:00 - 12:00 | The Meffan, 20 West High Street, Forfar, DD8 1BB
Looking to create your own brand images using Canva? This interactive workshop will teach you how to create stunning visuals that make your brand stand out on social media.
Bring your laptop or MacBook and your brand images for a hands-on experience. We’ll cover everything from the basics to more advanced techniques for creating dynamic, bespoke images for your brand.
In this workshop, we’ll cover:

How to register for a free Canva.com account
A walk-through of the platform, including features and toolbars
The importance of fonts, colours, and effects for maximum impact
How to use Canva design templates and adapt them for your business
How to create your own designs from scratch using your own imagery
How to insert animation on your photos and text
How to create engaging reels
An explanation of different types of social media content
How to save and download from Canva
How to upload to Meta Suite Planner

Don’t miss out. Take control of your brand imagery and create stunning visuals for online use. Book your place now!

The Employee Ownership Transition: A Deep Dive
2024-11-21 10:00 - 12:30
Are you considering employee ownership as a succession plan for your business? Join us on our deep dive into the process of selling to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
Aimed at business owners considering employee ownership as a succession option, this interactive online workshop will cover topics that are fundamental to every employee ownership transition.
The workshop will include a presentation and a breakout session.
The presentation will cover:

How a transaction or sale of shares to an EOT works
Valuation, purchase price and repayments
Seller protections and the role of the exiting owners
Governance structure of the business post transition
The role of the board and the trust and their relationship with each other
Employee engagement and employee incentives (bonuses and share schemes)

The breakout sessions will be on:

The transition process and legal implementation – led by Louise Fisher, Baxendale Employee Ownership
The importance of employee engagement – led by Hannah Welch, Baxendale Employee Ownership

Schedule:
10:00 Introductions – Glen Dott, Scottish Enterprise
10:10 Presentation – Louise Fisher and Hannah Welch, Baxendale Employee Ownership
11:10 Facilitated breakout sessions (attendees participate in each session)
12:00 Q&A and learning outcomes
12:30 Close
Attend this interactive workshop to learn more about the EOT process when considering a transition to employee ownership.

Scotland's cruise conference 2024 - what works for tourism
2024-11-21 10:00 - 16:00 | Glen Pavilion, Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline, KY12 8QH
2024 has been another year of growth for cruise ship calls around Scotland’s ports, with the season extending well into November. Looking forward, 2025 promises new cruise line calls at Scottish ports, while at an industry level there is growth in both the size of vessels, and in the capacity of the luxury and expedition market. Cruise lines are looking for excursions which are “ungoogleable”!
In Scotland, conversations on cruise in recent times have raised the question of sustainable tourism and extension of the tourism levy. What does this mean for the cruise industry and Scotland’s tourism offer?
Scotland’s cruise conference 2024 – what works for tourism will consider the issues and opportunities raised for the Scottish tourism industry and local tourism businesses.
The programme will include input from cruise lines, international cruise networks, and international industry experts. Following last year’s event, the conference will also explore the data which is available, and how it might help you to plan. It is also hoped to find space for some “speed dating”.
As always, the sessions will be interactive. At these events, delegates are always participants.

How to improve your Google search rankings - Part 1: On page optimisation
2024-11-21 14:00 - 16:00
Join us to look at how Google and other search engines decide the order in which they list their search results. We will show you how to maximise your chances of appearing towards the top of the search rankings, ensuring you understand what key words and phrases your potential customers are using when searching online, and how to optimise your website as a result.
We will cover:

How search engines work, and the ‘on-page’ factors used to rank your site
Understanding customer search behaviour
Keyword research tools and how to benefit from them
Optimising your website content for search engines

How to build your brand
2024-11-22 09:00 - 11:00
This webinar will define what a brand is (and is not) and explain how it is more than just creating a logo. We will explore how a business can use their brand to show its identity, purpose, personality, message, and values in order to stand out from competitors, build a loyal customer base and make more sales.
This session will:

Provide you with a clear understanding of the difference between brands and branding
Help you understand what a brand is
Show you why branding is important
Look at your brand strategy, brand identity and action
Help you learn how to develop your brand’s positioning, character, and purpose to differentiate your business from its competitors
Demonstrate how to set up a brand kit and style guide to ensure consistency across websites, social media, business cards, posters etc.
Teach you how to create simple promotional graphics using a variety of tools including Canva
Highlight a variety of free tools including Google Drive, Hubspot and Mailchimp that can save time and simplify marketing tasks

How to start a business: The basics
2024-11-23 10:00 - 12:00
Whatever your reasons may be for considering being your own boss, we are here to support you and help you decide if this is the right path for you.
We will cover:

Personal finance
Planning – how much do you need to earn?
Researching your market – who your customers are, understanding your competition and what the trends are within your chosen field
Business structure – what are the core business structures? How to decide which is right for you and how to register as a business
Creating your start-up action plan – an outline
Marketing
Pricing
Naming the business
Basic bookkeeping
Forecasting
Financing, banking, insurance, and VAT
Tax

Development and Design for Agritourism
2024-11-25 10:00 - 15:30 | Duffus Village Hall, Duffus, Elgin, IV30 5QD
Join Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farms Programme for another informative event, this time focused on development and design of space for agritourism.
Whether you’re an established agritourism business or just starting out, this event hosted by Duffus Estate will help you understand the process when repurposing or designing new space.
Our Agritourism Monitor Farmers, the Scott Family from Fearn Farm are developing a new hotel venture working collaboratively with Rosemary and Ben from The Building Workshop. Rosemary will lead the morning session which will take us through the collaborative design process with a focus on the Fearn developments. We will also hear how the development is progressing from the Scott’s.
In the afternoon, we will have an opportunity to hear from Core Community Group Members, Caroline and Ed Dunbar about the progress and developments at Duffus Estate including the new campsite opening in 2025, the existing accommodation, eco lodge and coffee hut. There will be a walk around of Duffus Estate also.
There will be a chance to share thoughts & ideas and network over lunchtime.
Tea and Coffee will be provided. There will be a cup of soup at lunchtime but please do bring a packed lunch.
Everyone is very welcome to attend.

Business Support – Drop In Sessions
2024-11-25 13:00 - 16:00 | Kirriemuir Library, 28 Reform Street, Kirriemuir, DD8 4BS
The Business Gateway team will be at Kirriemuir Library to offer expert advice and support for all your business questions.
Drop in and speak to us, or use the book now button and a member of the team will be in touch to book an appointment.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow business, our advisers are here for you every step of the way.

Scotland’s Towns Conference 2024
2024-11-27 09:00 - 16:30 | Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ
Set against the backdrop of Perth’s major assets investments, STC24 highlights the importance of cultural, built, and natural assets in driving economic, social, and environmental progress in Scotland’s towns and places.
Join us to discuss, learn about and connect with the resilient and thriving places showcasing at Scotland’s Towns Conference 2024: “Investing in Our Assets for Sustainable Towns of the Future.” This year’s conference, held on 27th November at Perth Concert Hall, will delve into the critical role of cultural, built, and natural assets in fostering local economic, social, and environmental transformative change.

Built assets and infrastructure: The backbone of our towns and places.

Cultural and heritage assets: Providing both economic and wider societal benefits.

Natural assets: Greenspace, water, and biodiversity that sustain our environment.

Human, social, and financial capital: Leveraging the skills and abilities of individuals, the strength of community, public and private partnerships, and the wealth accumulation potential within our towns.

Explore how these assets open up potential for new jobs, industry and enterprise, driving forward economic growth and innovation.
Learn how to leverage these diverse assets to create sustainable, vibrant towns for future generations. Connect with industry experts, share best practices, and be part of the drive for positive change across Scotland.
Join us for an inspiring yet practice-based experience featuring study visits, keynote speakers, interactive workshops, collaborative world café sessions and a solutions-based exhibition.

Delivering profit to drive growth
2024-11-27 10:00 - 12:00
The course covers financial analysis, strategic decision-making, resource allocation, and the role of innovation and scalability in leveraging profit for long-term success.
We will cover:

Getting to know your financials
Controlling growth
Improving decision making
Opportunities
Cash is king
Controlling change
Pricing strategies for maximum profit
Measuring profit

Screen Ready Online 2024
2024-11-27 10:00 - 12:00
Do you want to collaborate with film and TV crews? Or maybe you’re already involved in the industry and want to expand your reach?
Join TayScreen for a free online event on Wednesday, 27th November at 10:00 AM.
Discover how your space or service can become sought-after for production and thrive by partnering with production teams. Don’t miss this chance to hear what’s happening in the Fife Tay region and Scotland and learn how to make your location or business stand out in the world of film and television.
We’re thrilled to welcome industry experts who will share insights, answer questions, and discuss opportunities:

Rhian Howells, Location Manager and CEO Crew Network
Professor Niamh Nic Daeid, Director, Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science and technical adviser on multiple crime dramas
Chris Wilson, Head of Communications and Media, V&A Dundee
Jenni Steele, Film & Creative Industries Manager, Visit Scotland

What you’ll hear about:
· What’s involved in location scouting and management, what productions look for and why productions work with location and production managers.
· With the region being a magnet for crime drama, like Karen Pirie and Traces, it’s a chance to hear if the science is fact or fiction
· The experience of hosting production such as award winning TV series, Succession, by V&A Dundee – a location that’s a museum and open to the public
· An update on screen tourism as Visit Scotland continues to work with big names in production including Disney’s National Geographic CreativeWorks to target US and UK visitors

Unlock the Benefits of Inclusive Recruitment
2024-11-27 12:00 - 13:00
Discover the benefits of inclusive recruitment through Skills Development Scotland’s Inclusive Recruitment Guide and how it can help to transform your recruitment strategy.
The webinar will explain the guide and demonstrate real-life examples of inclusive hiring practices.
